| Photo by Jose Danilo on Unsplash
We have seen hatred, violence, and murder since the beginning of this school year, and we are still in September. We have seen school shootings in elementary schools, high schools, and colleges. We have witnessed violence against children, young adults, and refugees in our country! We need to do better than this as a people.
Yesterday we saw the murder of Charlie Kirk, a man, husband, and father, and a follower of Jesus. You may disagree with his views, which he would discuss with anyone. But he was connecting with this generation.
I am reminded today of what Jesus taught His followers then and still today on the Sermon on the Mount.
“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”
Are we following Jesus in everyday life? Are we engaging with the world we live in and leading them to Jesus? Are we a light in a dark place? Are we doing right in our world?
Lord, help us to be the salt of our earth and the light of our world, so that people will see Jesus in our lives!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pastor Ronald Squibb has been the International Christian Center (ICC) Lead Senior Pastor at Staten Island, New York, since 2011. He draws many experiences from his over 40 years as a pastor and significant emotional life experiences.
His new book, Following the Journey with Jesus, which he co-authored with Daniel McNaughton, was recently published and is receiving rave reviews. His daily devotional appears in this publication.
